Month: May 2014

South Side Chicago Dentist: Tips for Keeping a Fresh Smile while ‘On the Go’

For many, brushing during the day or after lunch can almost seem impossible and inconvenient at times. Being consumed by work, school or even travel can prevent us from keeping a fresh and healthy smile. However, there are quick and easy solutions that your South Side Chicago Dentist recommends to help keep your smile fresh while on-the-go.

Carry a Travel-Sized Toothbrush
Carrying around a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste that you can quickly use for an after lunch cleaning is a great solution for freshening up. Brushing your teeth after a meal is a great way to help maintain optimum oral health. Not only will brushing your teeth keep your mouth healthy from bacteria and decay but it can also help save you from embarrassing bad breath or help to eliminate the fear that something is stuck between your teeth.

Tongue Scrapers
When brushing your teeth during the morning or evening, get in the habit of brushing your tongue as well. In between your taste buds, lie residue build-up which may be contributing to foul breath. At a drugstore, you can purchase a tongue scraper, or you can use your toothbrush to gently brush your tongue. Your dentist in South Side Chicago will agree that your oral health can be improved with proper tongue care.

Quick Rinse with Mouth Wash
No time to brush between meetings? Try mouthwash. Mouthwash is a simple, fast and convenient way to freshen your breath during the day. All that it requires is a simple swish. This simple ‘swish’ will not only freshen your breath, but it will also help prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities as it loosens particles in the mouth. There are many different products of mouthwash available, so be sure to ask your dentist in South Side Chicago IL or hygienist about which mouthwash they recommend for you.

Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a great temporary solution when you need a fresh smile while on the go. If you do not have the time to brush your teeth or use mouthwash after a meal, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes can help ward off bad breath. Also, chewing gum can help stimulate the production of saliva which will help wash away any lingering particles left on your teeth.

Although these simple tips will not be as invigorating or as thorough as your at home routine, they will surely help to temporarily improve oral hygiene quickly and conveniently. If you have any questions about how you can improve your oral health, contact your South Side Chicago IL Dentist.